At the beginning of November, we checked into a cabin deep in the forests of Dalarna, on the edge of a mirror-like lake. Here, we were surrounded by peace and stillness, far from the noise of everyday life. The only sounds were the crackling in the fireplace and the rustling of my son crawling around on the floor. When he stood up by the window and pointed toward the lake, I could almost hear his unspoken words: "Look, how beautiful." Even though he cannot speak yet, his admiration was clear.

For three mornings, I enjoyed breathtaking sunrises at our cabin. The mist danced over the lake, frost sparkled in the morning light, and everything was silent - except for the soft crackling of the fire when I returned inside to warm up. Despite the cold, it was impossible to stay indoors. Every morning, before sunrise, I layered up, grabbed my camera, and ventured outside. There's something extraordinary about the morning light - it awakens both body and soul.

With every new scene to capture, it felt like I wasn't just photographing but documenting moments of stillness and beauty that will linger in memory. My focus was entirely on the camera, the mist, and the frost, until I went back inside with tingling fingers from the cold. Then, it was just a matter of warming up before heading out again—the sun always had something new and beautiful to reveal between the branches.

SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art

SIGMA 20mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art

I had the entire camera bag with me. To let such a place go unphotographed would be a sin. Even though I don!t consider myself a nature photographer, it felt like I transformed into one during these days. Especially in the mornings, when we were already awake before the sun rose, I got to experience the magical hours when the mist danced over the lake, the sun broke through, and the silence of the forest became a perfect accompaniment to it all.

Along on the journey were my favorite lenses (in no particular order):
• SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
• SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
• SIGMA 28mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
• SIGMA 20mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art

There's no doubt that I have a preference for prime lenses. The Sigma 50mm and 28mm have been faithful companions for over a decade, while the 85mm is a relatively new love. I had heard a lot of good things about it before, but it!s only in the last two years that Iive truly begun to appreciate its potential. These days, it's almost always in my bag – sometimes even more often than the 50mm. And the 20mm, with its ability to create drama, has also become a favorite to experiment with.

SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art

SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art

SIGMA 20mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art

SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art

SIGMA 28mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art

This trip was about more than just finding tranquility. We also took the time to explore some of Dalarna!s most unique and beautiful places—each stop a reminder of nature!s power and historical legacy.

Our first little roadtrip led us to the forests above Orsa, an area offering kilometers of hiking trails and a profound sense of immersion in nature. We also took a detour to Storstupet, a dramatic ravine where Orsa!s old railway bridge stands 34 meters above the Ämån River. This iconic site, once part of the Inland Line railway, offers stunning views and a reminder of a bygone era when train traffic connected the inland of Sweden.

SIGMA 28mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art

One of the trip's highlights was Gesundaberget, a popular destination for outdoor activities. As we hiked up the mountain, we were greeted by a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Siljan - a magical spot that showcases the ever-impressive beauty of Dalarna!s nature.

From there, we continued to Tällberg, one of Dalarna!s most picturesque villages by Lake Siljan. Known for its charming timber houses and traditional culture, Tällberg offers both a glimpse into Sweden!s rural past and a relaxing atmosphere.

SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art

SIGMA 20mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art

And no trip to Dalarna is complete without a visit to Nusnäs, the home of the iconic Dala horse. Here, we gained insight into how these colorful wooden horses are crafted, from the first cut of wood to the meticulous painted details. Seeing the craftsmanship up close gave us a new appreciation for this Swedish symbol and tradition.

SIGMA 28mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art

Our last evening, the sky was so clear that we could see the Milky Way stretching across the night sky. It was the perfect opportunity to experiment with astrophotography. With the camera pointed toward infinity and no light pollution nearby, every shot felt like a small victory. The cold stung our fingers, but much like during the sunrises, I hardly noticed. The focus was entirely on capturing the light of millions of stars sparkling above us.

This trip was not just a break from daily life but also a reminder of Dalarna!s unique beauty - a place where nature, history, and peace go hand in hand. With a camera in my hand and a heart full of gratitude, we left these landscapes feeling a bit more present, a bit more alive.

SIGMA 20mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art

SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art

SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art

Behind the Scenes